Franchise Notes

In Detroit, Mike O'Hara noted the Lions' 2-10 record is "tied for second worst in the NFL, but their gains in ticket sales are near the top." The team is averaging 55,935 fans per game through six games at Ford Field, up 13.2% from 49,395 last year. That marks the biggest gain "in the NFC on a percentage basis." The average "is the highest since 2007, when the Lions started 6-2 and averaged 61,304 and every home game was an official sellout." Sunday's Bears-Lions game marked the "fifth official sellout" this season (DETROIT NEWS, 12/7).

FINDING A ROLE FOR ELWAY: In Denver, Mark Kiszla writes in the wake of the firing of Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, what the team requires "first and foremost is a face to make the franchise likable again in the eyes of betrayed fans," and Pro Football HOFer and Broncos consultant John Elway "is the man, the myth and the legend for the job." Elway "long has dreamed of owning an NFL franchise," so he "would be miscast" as a GM. Elway's "strength would be as a business executive who could raise the organization's football IQ, while effectively telling the team's story to season-ticket holders, sponsors and the media" (DENVER POST, 12/8).

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Houston-based Greenstar Recycling CEO Matt Delnick said the company "looked at a lot of different teams" before agreeing to a jersey sponsorship with the MLS Dynamo. Delnick: "There are five or six teams out there that don't have sponsors, and for us we're proud of our headquarter city. We're proud to be in Houston. We want the recycling here to be as successful as possible. Really it's about helping to build our brand but also helping to build awareness for recycling and sustainability in Houston" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/8).

NEW OWNER: In DC, Steve Goff reported magicJack Founder Dan Borislow is the new owner of the WPS Washington Freedom, who "nearly folded after this second season" in the league. The Hendricks family, "which founded the club 10 years ago, will retain a minority stake" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/3).